At RSNA, Siemens has debuted a new version of its SOMATOM Definition Edge CT. The most notable improvement over the previous version is in dual-energy imaging, where Siemens’ TwinBeam technology enables simultaneous imaging at two different energy levels, something not previously possible on a single-source CT. In addition, the scanner includes improved reconstruction algorithms leading to dose reduction, improved image quality and reduced metal artifacts.

Previous single-source CT systems relied on fast kV-switching for dual-energy imaging, which may impair image quality and increase radiation dose. Siemens’ TwinBeam technique allows simultaneous acquisition of high and low kV datasets in a single CT scan. It does this by creating two X-ray spectra simultaneously from one tube, with the tube assembly system generating a pre-filtered X-ray beam with two different X-ray spectra. Applications of this technique include differentiation of kidney stones, creating iodine maps, or generating synthesized pre-contrast images.

The scanner features Siemens’ latest reconstruction algorithm called Advanced Modeled Iterative Reconstruction (ADMIRE), enabling better image quality at the same radiation dose. Furthermore, iterative Metal Artifact Reduction (iMAR) more effectively reduces artifacts from fillings and implants that often cause distortions that may result in less than diagnostic image quality.

source:Siemens